Naira shower in Ikeja: 627 Lagosians hit jackpot in Sanwo-Olu CARES Initiative

It’s been a season of cash and renewed hope in Lagos State, as 627 lucky beneficiaries have received empowerment cheques under the explosive “Sanwo-Olu Listen, Sanwo-Olu CARES” initiative, a grassroots-focused intervention spearheaded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to uplift small business owners and medically challenged residents.

In a two-month cheque bonanza that began in June 2025, the state government disbursed funds in three tranches — 200 beneficiaries in June, 152 more on July 1, and a massive wave of 275 recipients on Friday, July 18, during a ceremony at the Alausa Secretariat in Ikeja.

The Special Adviser on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Taiwo Afolabi, who presented the latest cheques, described the initiative as a bold step by the governor to deliver on his campaign promise to create jobs, empower entrepreneurs, and support the most vulnerable.

“The governor has promised to put smiles on the faces of the people and he is fulfilling his promises,” Afolabi declared, as excited recipients erupted in applause.

According to Afolabi, disbursements ranged from N300,000 to N1.5 million, depending on the applicant’s need, with business owners receiving up to N500,000, and persons with medical conditions getting up to N1.5 million.

Applicants were required to submit a LASRRA card, NIN, a verifiable home address, a formal letter detailing their financial need, and importantly, a phone number  which, Afolabi lamented, many failed to include, thereby disqualifying themselves.

“We’ve seen avoidable errors cost people life-changing opportunities. If you don’t include your phone number, how do we reach you?” He asked.

Despite the overwhelming number of applications flooding in, Afolabi assured the public that no genuine applicant will be left behind.

Among Friday’s thrilled beneficiaries was Arowosafe Kehinde, a gas dealer from Agege, who received N300,000 to expand his business.

“This is a huge push for me. Governor Sanwo-Olu has given us hope,” he said.

Mariam, a young makeup artist, also walked away with a N300,000 cheque.

“I’ll use it to buy equipment and grow my brand. This is more than empowerment — it’s a lifeline,” she smiled.

As the programme continues to blaze through communities, many in Lagos are hailing Governor Sanwo-Olu’s empowerment drive as a game-changer in the battle against poverty and unemployment.